Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that BCCI should have continued with Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain and should have waited for the 2027 ODI World Cup to conclude before bringing on the transition period. This comes after Shubman Gill was recently appointed as the Men in Blue's captain in the one-day format. Rohit will be playing under the leadership of Gill in the upcoming three-match series against Australia that will commence from October 19.
Kaif on Rohit's leadership skills
Kaif believes that Rohit was ticking all boxes as the captain and should have led the team in the 2027 World Cup as well. He further pointed out how the 38-year-old has captained the side to a total of three ICC finals, winning two of them.
“I would have requested them not to leave because they have achieved so much for the country. Rohit led us to the finals of three ICC events, winning two of them, in three years. I’m his big fan and I wanted him to keep leading the team. People often cite his age, but I focus on stats. As a captain, he is scoring runs, building a healthy team environment. So, even if he turns 41 during the 2027 World Cup, I will look at his capability of leading the side to yet another title victory. So, why move on when he is ticking all the boxes? Do it after the 2027 World Cup," Kaif told News18 India.
“So, if I may, I will have a proper communication with both of them, can even go to their home and speak to them if needed. That’s the kind of aura they have," he added.
Meanwhile, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to make their much-awaited return to international cricket in the Australia ODIs. The duo haven't played for the national team since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand and will be eager to make an impact with the bat as they take the crease against the Aussies.
Rohit and Virat's stunning record in ODIs held in Australia
Notably, both the batters have phenomenal records when it comes to ODIs held in Australia. On one hand, Rohit 1328 runs under his name in the 30 ODIs that he has played Down Under while on the other hand, Kohli is just a whisker away from him at 1327 runs in 29 ODIs. The two of them have five ODI centuries each in Australia and will be hoping to increase their tally in the upcoming assignment.